Memorial Day through Labor Day are considered the 101 Critical Days of Summer. It is a time when people get out and do all those things that increase the potential for personal accidents. It's a time when we need to increase our attention to those activities such as boating, camping, hiking, swimming and and many others. We take these activities for granted but we find these are the ones in which the most accidents and deaths occur. This year we want everyone to take a look at "Personal Risk Management" and what it can do to make us safer during any activity. Now wait! Don't stop reading! Personal Risk Management is something we can do without thinking. Let's just take it a bit further to ensure the safety of ourselves and our family and friends.

Personal Risk Management is a 5-step process that we can apply to any activity. It will help us to identify and reduce or eliminate risk involved in everyday activities. Here are the 5 steps:

1. Identify hazards

2. Assess the hazards

3. Develop controls and make decisions

4. Implement controls

5. Supervise and evaluate

Now, I know when I look at these steps it seems a bit intimidating, but let's make it easy! Let's take a look at driving your car. Many of us take our families on trips during the summer. Remember, you are already thinking about many of these things already, but let's apply the process to help it make more sense.

1. Identify the hazards: Weather, road conditions, traffic, impaired drivers, vehicle condition, and being stranded.

2. Assess the risks: Severe injury or death may result from a vehicle mishap. Non-use of seat belts increases risk. Driving impaired further increases your chances of a mishap. Being stranded can lead to situations that end up in disaster.

3. Analyze control measures and make control decisions: Plan for the trip and make sure your vehicle is mechanically sound. Keep tabs on the weather. Drive defensively and keep your speed commensurate with conditions. Carry a cell phone in case of emergencies. Always buckle your seat belt and keep the kids in their car seats. Get plenty of rest and stop periodically. Lastly, don't drink and drive!

4. Implement controls: Now, put into action those controls you've identified! Stick to the plan and it will pay off with a safe trip!

5. Supervise and evaluate: Check the plan and change it if necessary. It's important that we be flexible because situations change!

I hope that you will use this easy process to make this summer a fun and safe time. We are all important and our contributions matter. Our families need us and we need them. Take an extra few minutes to help us all get through the summer. One more thing, we have already began our 101 CDOS Campaign. We started with a Personal Risk Management Briefing at the Base Theatre. We have 3 more events scheduled through the summer to keep "our" safety the top priority. 13 June will be the "See Me Save Me" Motorcycle Ride through Hill AFB and the local community. This is to raise awareness to all drivers about sharing the road with motorcycles. 26 June there will be a Recreational Safety Fair at Centennial Park that will feature various agencies that highlight recreational safety for safe summer fun. Finally, 26 July at Centennial Park, there will be a Workplace Safety Fair featuring base agencies and local vendors to showcase workplace safety equipment and safe workplace information. Please make it a point to attend these events and have a great fun and safe summer,